User Reviews

It was super! it's soooo beautiful!! and fun to watch and wonderful characters. I loved Sofie and I loved Howel and I loved Calcifer! and just everybody! and the surroundings were sooo beautiful! Miyazaki is a genius, as we all know, It was super! it's soooo beautiful!! and fun to watch and wonderful characters. I loved Sofie and I loved Howel and I loved Calcifer! and just everybody! and the surroundings were sooo beautiful! Miyazaki is a genius, as we all know, and Ghibli's films are always very well drawn, and Diana Wynne Jones isn't famous without reasons, so it's no wonder that the film is so great! I want to see it again, and again, and again, and own it. this is gonna be my precious.... ^_^…Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful

5

animefanMar 8, 2006

Complete mess, aswell as weakest Ghibli movie so far.

1 of 7 users found this helpful

10

ErinRJul 3, 2009

I never grow tired of watching this show...charming, beautiful, classic...better than the book to me.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

10

carenC.Oct 4, 2005

One of the best movies ive seen so far! It was better than Spirited away!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

jonb.Oct 6, 2005

I loved it!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

cruzr.Oct 7, 2005

The best movie ever¡¡¡

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

JoannaL.Sep 11, 2005

A very nice, warm and funny film where an aimless girl, who is placed under a spell meets a "heartless" wizard and each help each other through various obstacles... The animation and scenes are breathtaking as usual. Double thumbs up! Great A very nice, warm and funny film where an aimless girl, who is placed under a spell meets a "heartless" wizard and each help each other through various obstacles... The animation and scenes are breathtaking as usual. Double thumbs up! Great heart-warming film.…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

ErinG.Sep 10, 2005

This was the best movie that Disney has put its name on in ten years.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

ArtoS.Sep 27, 2005

The best moovie when i ever seen.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

LizMar 14, 2006

This movie is...amazing. See it, I'm begging you. Perhaps you aren't really into Japanese Animation. You tbink..."it's just cartoons, kid stuff..." Some is. But Miyazaki's movies are "for those who are ten, for those who This movie is...amazing. See it, I'm begging you. Perhaps you aren't really into Japanese Animation. You tbink..."it's just cartoons, kid stuff..." Some is. But Miyazaki's movies are "for those who are ten, for those who will be ten, and for those who used to be ten." So please, immerse yourself in the fantastical world of Miyazaki, see it like a child, see it as an adult. You will see something different in each viewing, and this will only make you enjoy it more.…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

BramH.Mar 21, 2006

this is a wonderful movie and the sountrack is wonderful.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

TomOct 21, 2007

I love the idea of witches and wizards in a story and Hayao Miyazaki has made Howl's moving castle my favourite movie ever. The storyline is great and the animation is amazing. I loved it!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

JoshH.Jun 10, 2007

One of the best movies I've ever seen in my entire life. Watch it right now if you like magic, anime, or complex stories. The animation is fantastic (probably the best I've ever seen), and so are the characters, locations, and One of the best movies I've ever seen in my entire life. Watch it right now if you like magic, anime, or complex stories. The animation is fantastic (probably the best I've ever seen), and so are the characters, locations, and adventures. Too bad I didn't get the chance to see this in theaters. This is a movie experience I will never forget, and I hope it will be the same for you too.…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

NancyN.Jun 14, 2007

Look quietly and deeply and you will understand that hope must prevail lest we are doomed. I am enthralled by the beauty of this film I watch it and admire its masterpiece. See it for yourself and fall in love again.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

andievJul 2, 2007

This movie is beautiful. it's like a strange fairy tale. i like the strangeness of the plot and how howl is not what he seems to be at first, you do alot of thinking after watching the movie, i recommend it to anyone.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

sarahb.Aug 10, 2007

I loved this moving . the cast and the characters . i wish they would make a howls moving castle 2 . like the book castle in the air but more by the book not peoples ideas very one should read castle in the sky after this moving and howls I loved this moving . the cast and the characters . i wish they would make a howls moving castle 2 . like the book castle in the air but more by the book not peoples ideas very one should read castle in the sky after this moving and howls moving castle the book . howl and Sophie just might have a kid and her sister read both books to find out !!!!…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

TeresaJan 8, 2008

I personally loved the movie. It was one of the best movies I've ever seen. I keep thinking back and can't find any flaws! Those critics out there.. yap yap. I guess I'm just one of those people with a childish heart and big I personally loved the movie. It was one of the best movies I've ever seen. I keep thinking back and can't find any flaws! Those critics out there.. yap yap. I guess I'm just one of those people with a childish heart and big imagination to the point that the movie did not bore me! I recommend watching it!!…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

BandiW.Mar 17, 2008

im a your #1 fan also it was the best movie from miyazaki i ever seen i hope he keeps making more movies like this on or Spirtted Away also i was wondering if you were the one who made Princess Monokay bye the way do you have a myspace?

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

KazukiA.Aug 2, 2008

Howl's Moving Castle by Miyazaki Hayao A Review Written for Friends by Kazuki Anno, Translators United for Peace Like a vivid dream, Miyazaki's film presents an alternate world for children of all ages. For more mature viewers, Howl's Moving Castle by Miyazaki Hayao A Review Written for Friends by Kazuki Anno, Translators United for Peace Like a vivid dream, Miyazaki's film presents an alternate world for children of all ages. For more mature viewers, however, his works represent the complex realities we face here and now in this cruel, yet beautiful world. Howl's Moving Castle will take us on a journey of moral quest to confront unnecessary and destructive wars that make us victims of, and collaborators with, terror at one and the same time. If our children can handle such serious subjects as war, justice and humanity, so must we. Miyazaki tells us that we are not what we seem to be. Howl is a handsome young man who looks like a dashing rock star and behaves like a flamboyant prince. Nevertheless, he is a wizard. Yet, unlike other wizards, he no longer works for the Palace, and when night falls, he turns into a black monster bird, flying across the sky to intercept a massive bomber formation over defenseless cities burning in flames. Howl spreads his wings and tries to catch bombs in the air, but all he can do is to neutralize a few bombs out of thousands. Thus, he goes to war each day, knowing in advance that he will fail. Which one of his multiple characters is truer than the other ones? Is any one aspect of his as true as any other? Sophie, a 19-year-old girl, is turned into a 90-year-old woman by the Witch of the Waste Land because she attracts the attention of Howl whom the Witch desires for herself, secretly envious of his youth and beauty. Is this a curse by a jealous witch, or does it merely mirror the lost heart of Sophie who does not know what she is to become, having resigned herself to a drab life in her family's hat shop? If the latter is the case, what can she do to break the spell? So, she sets off on an adventure to discover herself. Not even the Witch, an elaborately dressed dowager, is immune to power. When she is called to the Palace, she kowtows to authority and transforms herself into a helpless old woman, going up a flight of steep stairs that lead to a majestic chamber. It has been a long time since the ancient oral traditions she represents were annihilated and subjugated by nation-states in the age of modernization. Calcifer, a cantankerous fire demon, is supposed to be a free being in the universe, but he is under a contract to Howl, so he is kept in a small fireplace to generate energy for the moving castle. When more energy is needed for the castle in crisis, Sophie offers a lock of her hair to Calcifer who then says, "If you give me your soul, I will be able to produce unimaginable amounts of energy." Perhaps, the wizards at the Palace who are in charge of inventing all the machines, warplanes, tanks, bombs, and missiles, have given up their souls to Calcifer to develop nuclear weapons. As citizens of nations with industrial democracies which uphold a single economic model, namely extreme capitalism unleashed by neo-liberal shock treatments in the era of corporate globalization, we have no faces, no voices, and no names. Here we have Miyazaki's invitation to take off on a magical journey, together with Sophie and Howl, to search for the infinite possibilities that dwell in each one of us. It will be as hard an adventure as anyone can undertake in the mysterious frontier of the human mind, as valuable an experience as dreams that would not cease to inspire us, and as easy a task as remembering once again our own names. Peace, Kazuki…Collapse

0 of 0 users found this helpful

9

AliCSep 27, 2005

'It's like dreaming....' says Sophie half way through the film. I couldn't have put it better myself. Watching Miyazaki movies is like having a brilliant dream: this is the best of his movies that I have seen. It's 'It's like dreaming....' says Sophie half way through the film. I couldn't have put it better myself. Watching Miyazaki movies is like having a brilliant dream: this is the best of his movies that I have seen. It's tighter, with a stronger narrative thread, and avoids going too far along the surreal, blob-lined tangents that Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away linger on. As always, the visuals are exceptionally beautiful, breathtaking in a way that non-animation landscapes can never hope to match. We watched it exhausted after a day of packing before a house move, and yet were gripped and enchanted for the full two hours of the movie, with idiot grins fixed on our faces both during it and for at least an hour afterwards. Wonderful.…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

PhilipZ.Jan 11, 2006

Very nice movie realy touch our heart.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

BeccaB.Oct 29, 2006

One of those movies I could watch over and over again. Yes, it is hard to understand at some points. Yes the plot can be a tad hard to follow. But once you watch it a few times and once you start paying attention to what the crowd says (like One of those movies I could watch over and over again. Yes, it is hard to understand at some points. Yes the plot can be a tad hard to follow. But once you watch it a few times and once you start paying attention to what the crowd says (like the scene where the two men are talking in the background just before Sophie meets Howl) you can truly understand this masterpiece. I can't say that I've read the book because I haven't, but I love this story anyway.…Expand

Visually beautiful. The witch of the waste character was both darkly compelling and good comic relief. The set up of the story is good but the payoff at the end really shortchanges the viewer.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

StefanMar 29, 2006

Top rate animation, spirited story, but if you have read the book by diana jones you end up a little disappointed. It lacks a little of the magic that all other Miyazaki films have abundantly.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

RachelR.Mar 31, 2006

i've seen all of miyazaki's work and this is my new favorite! i can't seem to stop watching it. it's so well done!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

6

DWMar 9, 2006

If only the last five minutes of this film didn't happen, it would be a seven, maybe an eight, but come on, has anyone actually SEEN the ending? It compromises the whole story and insults the viewer's intelligence. His other movies If only the last five minutes of this film didn't happen, it would be a seven, maybe an eight, but come on, has anyone actually SEEN the ending? It compromises the whole story and insults the viewer's intelligence. His other movies are much better.…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

DaniaA.May 17, 2006

Even it's quite late for me to watch this movie but it was spectacular and womderful. I love Miyazaki creation. And I'm simple fall in love with Howl and all character in Miyazaki masterpieces.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

AMovieCriticJul 8, 2007

Yet another classic from Miyazaki. His animation is so much more dazzling (to me) than any computer animated movie, and I really hope he continues to make animated movies even as he enters "old age." It's hard to really explain why this Yet another classic from Miyazaki. His animation is so much more dazzling (to me) than any computer animated movie, and I really hope he continues to make animated movies even as he enters "old age." It's hard to really explain why this movie is so great. A girl is transformed into an old woman by a witch and boards a moving castle, (controlled by a kind-hearted wizard and his awesome fire sidekick named Calcifer, dubbed by Billy Crystal)with doorways that open into different places. It's pretty incredible stuff. Japanese animation just has creativity and inventiveness that American animation just doesn't have (with the possible exception of Pixar.) It seems almost like it's from another world. Really cool movie and I actually liked it better than Miyazaki's (good, but overrated) Spirited Away. Some problems with Japanese anime in general are present here. It's too long by about a half hour and it starts to make less and less sense as it nears its conclusion. Also, the actions of a particular character towards the end of the movie become frustrating. Still, it doesn't take much away from what can best be described as (yeah, I know it's corny as hell,) "movie magic."…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

KatieApr 4, 2008

There is something deeply wrong with the reviewers who could not follow the plot, and thought that this film has no heart. I am in my twenties and love all Miyazaki films; these films have more heart than any Disney film has in its little There is something deeply wrong with the reviewers who could not follow the plot, and thought that this film has no heart. I am in my twenties and love all Miyazaki films; these films have more heart than any Disney film has in its little finger. The morality of these films is deep and complex; there is not true good or evil, and children are put in places of responsibility where they must take responsibility for their actions. Howl's is no different. Spirited Away is my favorite Miyazaki film, but this comes in close second. The film never gets old; it's like a favorite song.…Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

MezzieB.Jun 12, 2008

THISis one of my ALL time FAVORITE movies!!! I talk about it any chance that i get !! i also love Howl! :)

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

julesd.Nov 21, 2005

One of the best animated movies of this year!! Bravo!! Move over Disney!!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

8

CecilyS.Sep 26, 2005

It could have used some more explanation of why things are as they are, but the characters are adorable and the story is fascinating. I liked it, my 8 year old girl liked it and my 16 year old son liked it!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

2

KenE.Mar 22, 2006

It was almost totally incomprehensable. I was pretty much hoping they would finally fall over a cliff and get it over with.... a huge dissapointment given the glowing ratings from most sources.

3 of 15 users found this helpful

10

DrakeAug 12, 2007

A true bonafide classic from a legend.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

KorennaY.Oct 25, 2008

This Movie Is The Best Anime Movie I Have Ever Seen In My Life! It seems to me that im obessed of it but who cares.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

10

EvelynP.Jun 26, 2008

I absolutely loved this movie! It has so much heart, and I was enthralled all the way through. The storyline differs from the book a bit, but that only makes it more original. The artwork is beautiful, and the music is among the best I absolutely loved this movie! It has so much heart, and I was enthralled all the way through. The storyline differs from the book a bit, but that only makes it more original. The artwork is beautiful, and the music is among the best soundtracks I've heard. Bravo!…Expand

A thoroughly bizarre story, but thoroughly worth watching. Miyazaki's story lines are always a bit on the odd side, but this atypical approach to writing is what makes his movies so fascinating and captivating.

I loved this movie! It's definitely in my top 3 favorite movies! Yes some parts i didn't get the FIRST time watching but i still loved it. It's perfect for someone who still finds hope in things also if you have a young heart and big imagination!

It's not in the same league as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but still pretty fantastic in its own right. It boasts amazing visuals in a wonderfully realized world, full with rich interesting characters. The plot is engaging and fullIt's not in the same league as Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but still pretty fantastic in its own right. It boasts amazing visuals in a wonderfully realized world, full with rich interesting characters. The plot is engaging and full with much appreciated symbolism.…Expand

Howl's Moving Castle is a beautifully animated fantasy film. As usual with Gibili anime, the movie delivers some intense sweetness and some subtle catharsis. That said, Howl's Moving Castle also has a fair few problems, including someHowl's Moving Castle is a beautifully animated fantasy film. As usual with Gibili anime, the movie delivers some intense sweetness and some subtle catharsis. That said, Howl's Moving Castle also has a fair few problems, including some incomprehensible fantasy weirdness, weak character motivations (why exactly is the movie's villain bent on war?) and too many coincidences. But it's altogether a fun adventure.…Expand

Absolutely wonderful film. I usually get bored with long films because they lose my interest at some point, but this one stayed consistently entertaining throughout. It's a heartwarming film I think any age could appreciate.

Stunning animation and charmingly idiosyncratic characters fail to make up for an incomprehensible, utterly nonsensical plot- even by anime standards. I never once felt like I understood what was going on. What, exactly, is this "war" about?Stunning animation and charmingly idiosyncratic characters fail to make up for an incomprehensible, utterly nonsensical plot- even by anime standards. I never once felt like I understood what was going on. What, exactly, is this "war" about? Who is the Witch of the Waste, and why did she curse Sophie? Who is Howl? Why does the moving castle have a tongue? Perhaps the answers to these questions can be found in the book on which the film is based, but you won't find them here. Children and adults alike will enjoy the intricate, vibrantly colored artwork that fills each and every frame of "Howl's Moving Castle," but I doubt many among us would be able to explain just what the heck the movie was about. Miyazaki's previous film, "Spirited Away," is a far superior work.…Expand

Miyazaki's usual dazzling animation and engaging characters don't always support its lack of Western charm and cohesion. However, Howl's Moving Castle still manages to capture the heart and the mind with its wit and charm.

One of Ghibli's best works. Howls Moving Castle is possibly the most mature Ghibli feature with a story, Character depth and wit made to make one think.

I love the range of characters in the film and the way the plot unravels and theOne of Ghibli's best works. Howls Moving Castle is possibly the most mature Ghibli feature with a story, Character depth and wit made to make one think.

I love the range of characters in the film and the way the plot unravels and the antagonist isn't quite who you believe it to be from the offset.

Once again Studio Ghibli prove that they are animation kings and masters of story telling.…Expand

"Howl's Moving Castle" is amazing with powerful visuals. Mostly the symbolism of the movie, that life can be seen through adversity, was very touching and true. It's a movie you would like and become spellbound to.

Another fantastic 'Studio Ghibli' production, well deserving to be in the collection of movies from this amazing production studio. Incorporating features from both the Japanese 'Anime' as well as the American animation cultures, this filmAnother fantastic 'Studio Ghibli' production, well deserving to be in the collection of movies from this amazing production studio. Incorporating features from both the Japanese 'Anime' as well as the American animation cultures, this film combines an amazing story together with smooth animations as well as excellent voice acting. Thoroughly recommended to audiences of all ages and i guaranteed it will be thoroughly enjoyable. From old to young it will rekindle the fires of your imagination and encompass you in its wild and colorful world.…Expand

This Is Such A Amazing Movie! Really Really Powerful Visuals! In Bits It Very Touching, And Warm! The Only Thing I Could Say Is Bad Is The Ending Feels A Little Bit Rushed!
Still One Of The Greatest Films Of All Time!

Although beautifully drawn and well scored How's Moving Castle lacks on one large aspect. That aspect is that it fails to have you connect with any of the characters in the movie on a personal level. At times it's hard to tell why you shouldAlthough beautifully drawn and well scored How's Moving Castle lacks on one large aspect. That aspect is that it fails to have you connect with any of the characters in the movie on a personal level. At times it's hard to tell why you should be rooting for a character or if a character is villainous or not. That being said it's interesting and unique story largely makes up for this deficit.…Expand

Miyazaki's another fantastic, believable film. This film is about love and courage. Well cast voice actors for english dub, memorable characters, and incredlble visuals. The only pickup I have is that how Sophie change to young form whenMiyazaki's another fantastic, believable film. This film is about love and courage. Well cast voice actors for english dub, memorable characters, and incredlble visuals. The only pickup I have is that how Sophie change to young form when she's asleep. But if that's only one I have, can't think anything else. This is perfect.…Expand

My very first Miyazaki film, and what a spectacle it was. The animation was absolutely gorgeous; there is truly nothing else like it out there. When it comes to foreign films, I always try to skip dubbed versions and just go along withMy very first Miyazaki film, and what a spectacle it was. The animation was absolutely gorgeous; there is truly nothing else like it out there. When it comes to foreign films, I always try to skip dubbed versions and just go along with subtitles; I wish I would have done the same here. At times the script was very cheesy, and I can't help but think that the Japanese to English translation attributed to that. Also, the story got very confusing, especially at the end. Overall though, I absolutely loved this film. Breathtaking and beautiful!…Expand

Basically this movie was the best ever. Why I really like it though is that I thought of this kind of stuff when I was little and I didn't see this untill I was older but this was my childhood imagination.

I'm totally speechless! "Howl's Moving Castle" is a real anime masterpiece! For me it's amazing just like "Spirited Away", i would even say a little better! It's full with action,fantasy and beautiful moments! I really think that if you haveI'm totally speechless! "Howl's Moving Castle" is a real anime masterpiece! For me it's amazing just like "Spirited Away", i would even say a little better! It's full with action,fantasy and beautiful moments! I really think that if you have no imagination you shouldn't watch movies like this. But if you love magic,dreams and fantasy, no matter how old you are i HIGHLY recommend to you this movie! My final score for Hayao Miyazaki's perfect movie is 10/10 …Expand

"Howl's Moving Castle" is amazing with beautiful and epic visuals. Hayao Miyazaki gives to us a powerful film with a complexity for stylish spectators. After "Spirited Away", Miyazaki returns back with reloaded energy.

Although the story may seem quite odd this movie is one of my favorite. One more excellent work of Japaneese genius Hayao Miyazaki. Dont try to understand all plot twists, just watch the movie and enjoy the animation and symbolism.

Howl's Moving Castle easily captivated me with a sense of adventure as I felt that every character played a part in the movie, and the english dubs were impressive. What I like most is that the movie instilled a sense of wonder everywhere itHowl's Moving Castle easily captivated me with a sense of adventure as I felt that every character played a part in the movie, and the english dubs were impressive. What I like most is that the movie instilled a sense of wonder everywhere it went all the way to the mesmerizing credits song, Sekai No Yakosoku. Easily one of the best animated films of all time, and I can applaud Gibbly once more.…Expand

Though Howl’s Moving Castle has its narrative shortcomings, Hayao Miyazaki’s direction, Studio Ghibli’s dazzling animation, and a stunning soundtrack turn the onscreen adaption of British writer Diana Wynne Jones’s 1986 novel of the same nameThough Howl’s Moving Castle has its narrative shortcomings, Hayao Miyazaki’s direction, Studio Ghibli’s dazzling animation, and a stunning soundtrack turn the onscreen adaption of British writer Diana Wynne Jones’s 1986 novel of the same name into an overall enchanting and endearing world where every moment—including its darkest—has a certain charm beneath it. It also has the best English vocal performances within Studio Ghibli’s filmography, general acclaim awarded to Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, and of course, late legends Jean Simmons and Lauren Becall.

Smart, entertaining, and heartwarming, fits this film to the Ghibli name. With its visual wonder and life lessons, along with a superlative score, will lead to on a fantastic adventure. The film may feel unfocused at times, and is ultimatelySmart, entertaining, and heartwarming, fits this film to the Ghibli name. With its visual wonder and life lessons, along with a superlative score, will lead to on a fantastic adventure. The film may feel unfocused at times, and is ultimately not as powerful as his previous film "Spirited Away", but it is sure a delight in the eyes of older age viewers.…Expand

Despite a bit of cheesiness, Howl's Moving Castle is probably one of the finest animated features I have ever seen. Its touching to see a film that is anti-war, about seeing inner beauty and full of heart.

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
Amazing visuals and a touching story. Although some parts were a bit difficult to understand, it was not enough to make this review mixed, much less negative. Watched it 3 times and loved every second, except for some over exaggerated moments with Calcifer. Some of the characters were better explained in the book. The Witch of the Waste for example. In the beginning you are completely blindsided by why she curses Sophie, but it is revealed to you later in the movie that she was in love with Howl (who could blame her!) and wants his heart for herself (which belongs to Calcifer). She is angry because she notices the budding friendship between Sophie and Howl. All I can say for Howl is… AMAZING! He is kind, yet mysterious and dark, and extremely vain, but I do wish you got to know him a bit better. Over all, he is a perfect addition to the cast of characters, who fits along with the theme, hearts can change, very well. He seems realistic because although at first he seems perfect, you gradually learn that he has flaws.

The only other thing I wished they explained more was the missing prince. The fact that Sophie kisses him to turn him back into a human is a bit cliche-ish and unexpected. They only mention briefly that the missing prince is the cause of the war.

Over all, an amazing and beautiful movie, with minor setbacks that are dwarfed by the pros of the film.…Expand

it is one of the most imaginative films i have ever seen. visually it's stunning with great ideas and designs with amazing animation to back it up and the cast of the english dub were great Jean Simmons and Christian Bale give theit is one of the most imaginative films i have ever seen. visually it's stunning with great ideas and designs with amazing animation to back it up and the cast of the english dub were great Jean Simmons and Christian Bale give the performances of there careers and billy crystal brings his A game even though he doesn't have too many lines. Miyazaki really did an excellent job especially with the hard task of following from the fantastic spirited away…Expand

Howl's Moving Castle suffers from confusing storytelling, incomprehensible story and character development, undone characters and choppy plot points, enough to downgrade its beautiful animation, great score, an interesting first impressionHowl's Moving Castle suffers from confusing storytelling, incomprehensible story and character development, undone characters and choppy plot points, enough to downgrade its beautiful animation, great score, an interesting first impression and imaginative ideas.…Expand

After Spirited Away, this is the second most original film that Studio Ghibli has ever produced. It's perfect in every way (almost). The story is absolutely impressive. It just has so many things and is able to handle all of them perfectly.After Spirited Away, this is the second most original film that Studio Ghibli has ever produced. It's perfect in every way (almost). The story is absolutely impressive. It just has so many things and is able to handle all of them perfectly. It has comedy, romance, action, a lot of imagination and some really unexpected things most people will not expect. It is also an emotional, touching and beautiful story, and, I repeat, it is very imaginative!. Except for a couple of things, you have not seen anything similar to this in a lot of time, probably never. I seriously think everyone should watch it.…Expand

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view.
Howl's Moving Castle narrowly beats Spirited Away as my favourite Ghibli film.
I might be a tad biased because it's also the first one I watched and is really what got me into Japanese film in general but even after watching it a dozen times years later I can honestly say that it's the best. Sophie and Howl both dramatically develop as characters throughout the plot, with Sophie coming out of her shell and Howl essentially growing from a moody teenager into a man who, instead of running from responsibility chooses to stay and confront them head on.
There's plenty of humor with the Witch of the Waste and Calcifer being absolutely hilarious. The plot sometimes gets a tad bit muddled but that's easily forgivable because it never collapses and instead travels on a different path, turning from a fantasy film into a love story.
Miyazaki really outdid himself with the visuals of this movie from the steampunk like moving castle to the scenes where all we're doing is staring at the sea and yet are completely mesmerized.
Everything about this movie really makes it my favourite and I recommend it to everyone.…Expand

Though I liked "Howl's Moving Castle" a lot with all of its wonderful surreal imagery, I wasn't quite pleased with it as I was with Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" or "Princess Mononoke". Probably because the mentioned movies are just beyondThough I liked "Howl's Moving Castle" a lot with all of its wonderful surreal imagery, I wasn't quite pleased with it as I was with Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away" or "Princess Mononoke". Probably because the mentioned movies are just beyond this world good and set my expectations too high...…Expand

Based on book of Diane W. Jones, is one of best opus of Hayao Miyazaki. The bumpy story love of a young hatter and a sorcerer is roller coaster that never stops until the last minute. A must to see once and again.

It is nice to have an European or Asian adaptations from great novels such as The Catcher In The Rye, Dune, Dracula (etc.) which is critically acclaimed and deserved an adaptation but Miyazaki knows how to visualize an adaptation.